al-khotyara tree on the one lira coin

In our quest to find the iconic cedar tree from the Lebanese flag, we encountered something just as special: the Al-Khotyara cedar tree, which turns out to be the exact tree featured on the 1960s Lebanese one lira coin. What an unexpected discovery!

This ancient tree, estimated to be over 2000 years old, stands as a testament to Lebanon's deep-rooted history and is an absolute must-see for anyone visiting the Barouk Cedar Forest. The forest itself is a natural masterpiece, making it one of my all-time favorite spots in Lebanon.

My first visit to Barouk Cedar Forest was back in 2021, and I was instantly enchanted by its peaceful beauty. That experience lingered with me, so a year later, we decided to return—this time with a mission to find the cedar tree that symbolizes Lebanon on its flag.

Though we didn’t find the flag's tree in Barouk (spoiler: it’s actually in Maasser Cedar Forest), we discovered the Al-Khotyara tree, a hidden gem with its own historical significance.

The trails at Barouk are well-maintained and perfect for a relaxing walk. My go-to route takes me from Masyaf El-Mir down to the lake and back, a serene journey through one of Lebanon’s most majestic natural reserves.